Eastleigh Borough Council Audit and Resources Committee Meeting

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business on the agenda.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

An email was received from a member of the public. The Service Director of Finance, Improvement and Housing Strategy answered the questions as follows:

1.  Where is the Independent Auditor’s Report for 2021-22? If it has been delayed, then what is the reason and when will it be published?

The independent auditors report for 2021-22 has been delayed due to resource availability within the audit sector.  The final work is timetabled in for November and December this year with a view to publish early 2024.

2.  What is the status of the CIPFA enquiry into EBC’s finances which was initiated in February? When is it expected to report?

The CIPFA review of the Council’s finances has been completed and the Council has received a confidential draft. The report is being finalised by ministers and we are hoping for publication soon.

3.  What value of debt has been refinanced to date for the year 2023-24, and at what average rate?

£141,250,000 has been refinanced to the end of September 2023 at an average rate of 4.74%

4.  What is the total value of debt due to be refinanced in the year 2023-24?

A further £337,750,000 due to be refinanced as at 30/09/2023. This is liable to materially change dependent on the duration period of refinancing.

Staff gave a presentation to the Committee which included site photos and a progress update, outlined project delays, talked through Council Wide implications, introduced the new branding of eastbrooke homes and explained Cost Monitoring.

Councillor Tidridge raised concerns over the lack of a business plan in the report and questioned how Cabinet can approve a decision without seeing income and expenditure. It was explained that the business plan had been to Cabinet three times and on each occasion, it included financial details. Staff will bring the business plan back to this Committee to evaluate.

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee noted the contents of this report.

The Committee considered the current Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED -

That the current Forward Plan be noted.

The Committee considered its current Work Programme.

The Draft Letter of Management Representation (22/23) will be removed from December’s Work Programme and an update on progress will be provided at each meeting.

It was AGREED -

That the Work Programme be noted.